# Canada short of workers? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 6, 2009, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078 "2009-01-06T13:41:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dread_pirate_jimbo/32/3897_2.png) [@Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dread_Pirate_Jimbo)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/21 "2009-01-06T17:00:08Z")
One more voice from Alberta, echoing what everyone else is saying. I work for one of the larger construction companies in these parts (OK, the largest CM firm in Canada, not to brag or anything) and, although we just laid off about 60 workers, these were all general labour positions, lacking any substantial skill set. We are still actively seeking office staff and qualified, skilled tradespeople – in fact, we had a team travel to Ireland, Germany and Yugoslavia just last spring on a recruiting drive. So there are still plenty of opportunities out here for the right person. Good luck with the search, **Laudenum**. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Laudenum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/22 "2009-01-06T17:11:45Z")
Just to clarify, I am a 21 year old with a degree in Politics and Economics, and I am earning a postgraduate diploma in law at the moment, so I have no construction skills, but I have no problem with doing something ‘menial’ (I hate that word). ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/23 "2009-01-06T17:46:51Z")
The problem with the menial jobs, is to get a work permit for them. The way it basically works, for me (and as we’re both ECC members I’m guessing you too), is that you need to line up a job to be able to apply for a work permit. Then, once you get the permit, you can go there and start working. Hence, I can’t drag my sorry ass over to Canada, get a job at a Horton’s and apply for proper jobs after that. ---
**Author:** ![KSO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@KSO](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KSO)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/24 "2009-01-06T17:54:48Z")
You should talk to an immigration attorney. Getting a work permit can be difficult if the employer has to establish that there were no qualified Canadians for the job. ---
**Author:** ![Cerowyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cerowyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerowyn)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/25 "2009-01-06T18:49:47Z")
> [@WormTheRed](#): > > Hence, I can’t drag my sorry ass over to Canada, get a job at a Horton’s and apply for proper jobs after that. Actually, depending on your age and your citizenship, you might be able to. Many Japanese friends of mine have come to Canada on [working holiday visas](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_holiday_visa) which permit you to work here on a special class of visa. That link includes a list of countries that participate in the reciprocal agreements. ETA: of course, Worm can’t, AFAIK, because Iceland isn’t on the list. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/26 "2009-01-06T18:54:01Z")
No doubt it’s hard feelings left over from the invasion in 1003 at L’anse aux Meadows. Damned Icelanders. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/27 "2009-01-06T18:56:54Z")
But Ireland seems to be! So bon voyage **Laudenum** :mad: _Stupid Viking relatives killing injuns a thousand years ago and not even sticking around to colonize… grumble, grumble_ :mad: ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/28 "2009-01-06T19:03:00Z")
On the application make sure you remember to check the “NO” boxes under the questions: Do you intend to Pillage? loot? Rape? ---
**Author:** ![Lady\_Venom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@Lady\_Venom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lady_Venom)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/29 "2009-01-06T19:22:51Z")
> [@Laudenum](#): > > I was, but I still found her post very interesting. LOL!! Not what I meant. I mean, every job I’ve found as an adult, as opposed to the jobs I had as a teenager, like the grocery and department store. I need a blushing smilie right about now! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Jillyvn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecb155/32.png) [@Jillyvn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jillyvn)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/30 "2009-01-06T20:05:04Z")
I see most of the canucks checking in here are from Alberta or the Toronto area, so I’ll pitch in for the interior of British Columbia. I live in [Kelowna, BC](http://www.tourismkelowna.com/). We’ve been undergoing somewhat of a boom of late, and there are definitely jobs to be had. This town used to die in the winter time, but an influx of industry, the growing popularity of our winter sports, the year-round attraction of our wine industry, and the recent addition of a major university have made this less of a worry. Plus, we’re lousy with folks from abroad who come here to find work, though mostly Australians who come here to work the ski hill, so you won’t be alone as an ex-pat. I work at the university, which might be a good fit for you given your academic background. They like to hire recently graduated undergraduates to work the administrative ranks, which is how I found my job. You probably want to find something to get you here, and then start applying for jobs at the university, college or municipal government if this is the route you take. I am well compensated for my job, get full benefits, a pension and four weeks paid vacation right off the bat. It’s a good placeholder job until you finish your advanced degree. For less serious work - If you’re into sports and outdoors, you can work the ski hill in the winter and the wineries, beaches, clubs and other venues in the summer for a work/vacation type job. In a pinch, there is always unskilled labour work. My roommate works in labour and has not been without a ready supply of work for a few years now. She makes between 15 - 17/hour for unskilled labour in construction or landscaping, which is a livable wage in Kelowna. Housing is an issue - our vacancy rate is less than 1% and prices skew high (see: [Castanet Classifieds](http://classifieds.castanet.net/index.php?cat=88)). However, our skyrocketing housing prices have recently started to drop, so more houses are on the market cheaper or being rented. It is likely the rental market will open up soon. Kelowna is a wealthy town, but it can be difficult trying to start out. I speculate it is similar to other booming smaller cities in Canada. If anyone wants more information, feel free to pm. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/31 "2009-01-06T20:14:05Z")
Laudenum, here’s a link that might be useful to you: [http://canada.usit.ie/](http://canada.usit.ie/) ---
**Author:** ![Laudenum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/32 "2009-01-06T21:31:14Z")
> [@Lady\_Venom](#): > > I need a blushing smilie right about now! 😃 :o is meant to signal blushing. It just looks like you’re bored though. ---
**Author:** ![trupa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/aeb1de/32.png) [@trupa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trupa)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/33 "2009-01-06T22:34:40Z")
\*\*Spoons \*\*and the gang have already said all the relevant & important stuff, but I thought I would add these tidbits: -The city of Calgary is desperately scrambling to recruit more police officers, and have had good success in attracting British Bobbies to the “Heart of The New West -tm” so I’m expecting to hear a lot more brit accents when I get pulled over in the next years. Basically they all say they can’t believe what housing they can get out here compared to London pricing, and they love the wide open spaces and nearby mountains. -Kelowna is a breath-takingly beautiful place to live or visit. Much gentler climate than Alberta, but not as wet as the west coast, and is the heart of one of Canada’s fruit growing and vinyard valleys. When I got out of the car there on an anniversary long weekend, it was in the middle of September, and whole town smelled like the fruit section at the supermarket. It has a beautiful lake and is in the middle of the mountains. Also has a surprisingly large hospital for its size, along with a pretty good cancer center. Good luck in your search, **Laudenum** , and let us know if you wind up here. Calgarians, and Calgary dopers in particular, are a friendly and helpful bunch. We’d love to stand you to a pint and give you all the advice you want, and some you don’t 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/34 "2009-01-06T22:53:07Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > If you’re willing to go more north the wages increase. A 4th year electrician apprentice in Calgary can probably average about $35/hour - up in Fort Macleod it’s more like $44/hour. Just a geographical/typo tip here: Calgary to Fort Macleod = 180 km due South Calgary to Fort McMurray = 750 km NNE If you do decide to come to Canada, make sure you get to the right place, otherwise the commute can be a bitch! ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/35 "2009-01-06T23:26:30Z")
> [@trupa](#): > > \*\*Spoons \*\*and the gang have already said all the relevant & important stuff, but I thought I would add these tidbits: > > -The city of Calgary is desperately scrambling to recruit more police officers, and have had good success in attracting British Bobbies to the “Heart of The New West -tm” so I’m expecting to hear a lot more brit accents when I get pulled over in the next years. Basically they all say they can’t believe what housing they can get out here compared to London pricing, and they love the wide open spaces and nearby mountains.\ That would be great - maybe I’ll get pulled over by a Calgary cop who _isn’t_ an asshole at some point in the future. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/36 "2009-01-06T23:49:15Z")
There’s been a significant slowdown in oil patch jobs in Alberta. My brother is an industrial tradesman who has been working in the oil patch the past few years. He said that a few months ago his union had seven hundred open postings for jobs they couldn’t fill. This week, the number was ONE. Several issues are contributing to this - the slowdown in housing has freed up some tradespeople in the housing industry, who have shifted to the oil patch, the crash in oil prices has put a lot of projects on hold and therefore stretched other projects out, and there is an issue with upgraders being delayed because the Americans want to ship the raw bitumen to the U.S. and process it there, and this is currently a political issue that is unresolved. Alberta has brought in huge numbers of out-of-province workers to meet the labor gap, so even though we have creatd a lot of jobs here, if the work slows down any more a lot of these people will be unemployed. It won’t be anywhere near as bad as in the U.S. (Canada as a whole is far better off than the U.S. to weather the coming recession, and Alberta is the best place in Canada for employment), but the boom may be over for a little while. This might actually be a good thing, as Alberta’s infrastructure has been straining under the load. We could probably use a breather to catch up and let prices stabilize and have rental markets open up a little again. ---
**Author:** ![Lady\_Venom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@Lady\_Venom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lady_Venom)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2009, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/37 "2009-01-07T02:08:56Z")
> [@Laudenum](#): > > :o is meant to signal blushing. > > It just looks like you’re bored though. Yeah, I always thought that was a bored smilie. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ponsonby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/898d66/32.png) [@ponsonby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ponsonby)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2009, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/38 "2009-01-07T10:33:15Z")
> [@Laudenum](#): > > Just to clarify, I am a 21 year old with a degree in Politics and Economics, and I am earning a postgraduate diploma in law at the moment, so I have no construction skills, but I have no problem with doing something ‘menial’ (I hate that word). Hi laudenum, I am in Ireland too and had to attend one of the job fairs recently held at the RDS. From what I saw, they were only looking for skilled manual workers. I’m not sure about the Australian job fair which was held on a different day, but I saw people coming in from nearby building sites on their lunch breaks to hear what was on offer. It seemed to be only focused on manual labour as its priority. ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2009, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/39 "2009-01-07T10:42:00Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > On the application make sure you remember to check the “NO” boxes under the questions: > > Do you intend to Pillage? > loot? > Rape? Would you deny an Irishman his whiskey and potatoes? An Englishman his bangers and mash? An American his _beer_ and baseball? Just as they cannot deny who they are, I cannot deny what’s in my blood… loot, pillage and plunder runs through my veins. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2009, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078/40 "2009-01-07T14:47:42Z")
Ooh, that’s good - Canada is so hyper-pussified about multi-culturalism that you might even get away with it. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-short-of-workers/480078.md?page=3)